“Thy word, O God, is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
That’s what the Bible says. It does not say, “Thy word is a stadium floodlight, illuminating every shadow, removing every ambiguity, exposing every mystery in pristine detail.” Nor does it say, “Thy word is an encyclopedia of airtight theological answers that resolve every conundrum of suffering and divine providence with the clarity of a mathematical proof.” No, the image is far
more modest, but also more profound: a lamp—just enough light to take the next step.
This is the rhythm of discipleship. We long for a grand vision, an aerial view of the entire journey, a divine cartography that maps every twist and turn ahead. We imagine that’s what we need to be prepared. But instead, God gives us a flickering oil lantern. A step at a time, moment by moment, trust by trust, He guides.
Why? Because faith is not a system to be mastered; it is a journey to be walked. If we saw the whole road at once, we would be tempted to rely on our own strategies rather than on His presence. But the lamp at our feet demands attentiveness, a constant looking to Him, a daily surrender.
This is why we do better to speak of faith not as a possession but as a pilgrimage. Abraham did not receive a blueprint for the Promised Land; he was told simply, “Go to the land I will show you.” Peter did not get a master plan for discipleship; he was called with two words: “Follow me.” And when Jesus Himself walked the path of suffering, the Father did not lift the cup from Him,
but He strengthened Him to drink it.
So, pilgrim, keep walking. When the road ahead feels uncertain, when the shadows lengthen and the questions loom, return to His Word. It will not remove every mystery, but it will give you just enough light to take the next step. And step by step, “Thy word” leads us safely home.
Maranatha,
Jordy
